Plumpton & East Chiltington News - February 2021 - Plumpton Parish Council
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Plumpton & East Chiltington
News
February 2021Z. R. LANDSCAPES
Landscaping
Fencing
Hedge Cutting and Treework
Turf Laying DRIVER TRAINING
Driveways CAR, LGV, PCV, FLT, HIAB
Patios 40 East View Fields
And More Plumpton Green BN7 3EF
Zac Robins 07949 220721 Tel: 01273 890410
landscape@nsza.co.uk www.hillsofplumpton.co.uk
CONTACT FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
Eastwood Heating & Plumbing
Keep your energy bills low by making sure your boiler is serviced regularly. A well
serviced boiler keeps your energy consumption low and can Identify faults early,
avoiding expensive breakdown cost.
Plumpton Green based Heating Engineer
for all Oil and Gas appliances
please call James on 07876 294262 or 01273 890526
104339 528262
Plumpton Stores & Post Office R. A. Brooks & Son
Y
Your local village store is now open:
F D M M
5.45am to 7.30pm Monday to Friday P -P F P
35 Wivelsfield Road, Ravenoak,
7.00am to 7.30pm Saturday
Haywards Heath Allington Road,
Newick
7.00am to 1.00pm Sunday 01444 454391 01825 722895
01273 890229
email: info@brooksfunerals.co.uk
www.brooksfunerals.co.ukPLUMPTON & EAST CHILTINGTON NEWS
February 2021 Page
Plumpton Parish Council 2 This months magazine features the first
East Chiltington Parish Council 5 part of a history of Plumpton Scouts
County & District councillors 6 written by our local historian Richard
Maria Caufield 9 Wells.
Local planning statement 10 We have received a couple of letters this
Skylark Federation Update 12 month and it is great to get feedback on
Bird Watch 13 events happening in the parish. It is good
Letters 15 to give our appreciation to those that take
Church Services 16 the time to organise events for all of us.
Events Calendar 17 If you would like to have a letter
Plumpton Scouts History 18 published please send it in.
Climate Change 20 If a group you are involved with has plans
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 22 for 2021 do let us know.
Plumpton & East Chiltington If you would like to send in book, film,
Wildlife 24 music reviews or your favourite recipes
Footpath Detective 27 please do..
Chailey Commons 28 This is your magazine..
Citizens Advice 31
Chailey & Newick Painting Group 31 PECNcopy@gmail.com
Plumpton Voluntary
Driving Scheme
We are running our service for the vaccinations and at weekends.
We have limited drivers at the moment but will do our best to help.
We are also still running our usual service to Hospitals and Doctors.
We have a Covid-19 precaution information sheet available for passengers ie. make
sure you feel well on day of travel with no temperature or cough/masks to be worn/
sit passengers in the rear of the car etc.
Contact Jackie on 07855 213 947 for bookings
Or
Contact Gill on 01273 890 055 for enquiries .
1Plumpton Parish Council PLUMPTON & EAST
CHILTINGTON GOOD
www.plumptonpc.co.uk NEIGHBOURS
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Notes from the Parish Meeting 12th
January 2021 (remote meeting over
ZOOM). Plumpton & East Chiltington Good
Neighbours have worked throughout
With the upcoming expiry of Lewes the village during lockdown and
District Council Local Plan Part 1 (May beyond.
2021), the potential impacts on
housing delivery in the Parish was We have been collecting prescriptions,
discussed. See separate article in this shopping, posting letters and parcels,
month’s Parish Magazine. taking pets to the vets with their
owner, turning mattresses etc.
The village finances continue to be kept Most importantly keeping someone
under control despite the constraints of company in these trying times and
the current situation. As the effect of generating a friendship
various lockdowns are eased, budgets
and expenditure will slowly return to Whatever you might like help with, we
normal. are here to help in any small way.
The Village Hall is currently on We have a number of Volunteers
lockdown. However, the on-line willing to assist. Perhaps you would
booking system is now operational and like help with addressing your
on the Parish Council website. It is Christmas cards or sewing on a
currently being tested in order for any button.No job is too small for us.
minor modifications to be made prior to
full public access being available. In the “One of the greatest gifts we can give
meantime it can currently be viewed for is our time”
availability and an email can then be Please give one of our coordinators a
sent to Jane Donovan to place a call on 07478524152 or 07786152215.
booking.
Increased security has been installed at
both the Village Hall and the Pavilion.
Alarm systems are linked to various
mobile phones and locks have been
modified/improved at the Pavilion.
An independent professional Fire Risk
Assessment has been carried out at the
Pavilion. A follow-up action plan has
been completed and a new Fire Alarm
system will be installed in February.
Next meeting is at 7:30pm on the 9h
February 2021. (Remote Meeting over
Zoom)
2A clean carpet
FLORAL ART isn’t all we
guarantee……
Mobile Florist - Wide Delivery Service
NICHOLA MASSINGALE • Carpet Cleaning & Repairs,
retufting & reweaving
Phone: Plumpton (01273) 891301
• Upholstery Cleaning
Mobile: 07970 462337
. •Weddings • Funerals• • Rug Cleaning including Wool &
Silk
•Spec ial O cc as ions •
•C ontrac t • D ried• • Curtain Dry Cleaning on-site-at-
the-window
• Carpet Moth Treatment Service
Rupert Thacker • Fire & Flood Clean-Up Service
Furniture Restoration Services Now celebrating 24 years of providing 1st class
service
Including Furniture repairs, Polishing etc. of in Plumpton, Plumpton Green, East Chiltington,
Antique, Contemporary, and Reproduction
Furniture Lewes & Brighton.
Fletching, E Sussex, TN22 3TQ Call Paul or Liz on 01273 733339
Tel : 01825-713111 (Workshop) For a free no-obligation quotation
Mobile: 07950-035044 Or email paul@servicemasterbrighton.co.uk
Email: sales@rupert-thacker.com
Website: www.rupert-thacker.com See our website for special offers
www.servicemasterbrighton.co.uk
Robert Symes
The Hairdressers
TREE SURGEON Sarah And Mandy
East Chiltington
Tel: Plumpton South Road Wivelsfield Green
(01273) 890080 01444 471224
Free Es mates
3Starflower Arts & Massage
Creative Art Workshops
Collage, Felting, Papermaking etc.
Holistic Massage & Aromatherapy
Home Visits for Women
Sarah Holloway BA(Hons) PGCE MIPTI
E. Chiltington, 07751 986790
www.starflowerarts.weebly.com
www.starflowermassage.weebly.com
Advertise Here !!
Plumpton Pilates
Contact
pecntreasurer@btinternet.com Morning and evening group classes
in Plumpton Village Hall.
Or
Phone 1:1 Pilates at home also available.
01273 891427 Please contact Charis 07881 825007
charispilates@gmail.com
ALLEN UPTON PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES
SERVICES
• Member of the Institute of Plumbing • Registered Plumber •
General Plumbing Installa on & Repairs
Free Es mates and Advice
Tel: Plumpton (01273) 890668 or 07711 712 477
Email: allenplumit@hotmail.com
4James Otway and Robert Symes for a very
thorough and informative tree survey carried
out on the Hollycroft field. Their advice will be
invaluable in targeting trees that need to have
works carried out to maintain their health and
safety in the future
As you are all very much aware rising Our thanks should also be extended to those
levels of Covid 19 resulted in yet another at Plumpton school who organised the
lock down in an attempt to reduce the fantastic Christmas Santa Scarecrow trail. It
spread. Please remember the support was lovely to see so many inspirational
group at Plumpton who are happy to scarecrows and was enjoyed by children and
assist in many practical ways if needed. If adults alike. Well done to those involved.
you have any issues you would like help
with please don’t hesitate to contact them Some of you may have spotted a request from
as follows: the church wardens of E.C ,Plumpton and
Linda Watson 07478 524152 (Good Westmeston on the Facebook page with
Neighbours) regard to the future use of the churches. For
Gina Hawthorne 07595 894425 those of you who don’t have access to
Rob Banks 07986 755246 (District facebook the article is also on the news page
Councillor) of the Parish website http://
FACEBOOK – you can also post requests www.eastchiltington.net/news/
for help here: Search for “Plumpton and
East Chiltington Coronavirus Support The East Chiltington warden, Amanda Inglis
Group”. is also in the process of gathering information
EMAIL: Covid19@geniuswithin.co.uk on the history of our three churches for the
ECPC Councillors can also be approached new website and this is a call for help. If you
in confidence should any parishioner feel have photos, historical facts or general points
they need help. All contact details can be of interest on either All Saints, East Chiltington
found on the parish website . or St Michael’s can send me a direct message
via the E.C faceook page. Photos of special
The annual village litter pick will take services that you’re happy to be included
place on the 7th March 2021. would also be welcome.
Those who would like to take part will She can also be contacted directly at
meet in a socially distanced manner whilst amanda.inglis@sky.com.
remaining in household bubbles.
Equipment will be distributed but no The next Parish meeting will be held in March
gloves will be provided so please bring however a date will be set when we are
your own if you need them. clearer about what government guidelines will
Sadly on this occasion we will not be able be in place following the current period of
to offer our usual refreshments after the lockdown.
event.
If you have any concerns or questions please
Congratulations to Charlie Bolton and contact the clerk who will refer queries to the
Chris Farmelo who have worked tirelessly councillors as the parish council continues to
for many months to enable the village to operate but remotely.
be able to access fast fibre broadband. It All normal council functions are being carried
has been a long haul but the result will be out by the clerk from home.
worthwhile for everyone. Email: clerk@eastchiltington.net
An update as to the next steps can be
viewed on the East Chiltington Facebook
page or the Parish website.
The Parish Council would like to thank
5County Council and District firefighters in the first intake.
Council Reports
Sarah Osborne
February 2021 07986 776 105
sarahosborne2000@yahoo.co.uk
Report from County Councillor Sarah
Osborne Report from District Councillor Rob
Banks
Covid
I have emphasised to the Chief Exec of Bins and Recycling
East Sussex NHS Clinical Commissioning Lewes District Council has been working hard
Group the importance of as much truly local to ensure regular refuse and recycling
delivery of the Covid vaccine as possible. collections continue during the pandemic. But
Much of the Division I represent has poor with a small number of staff having to self
public transport and many residents do not isolate from time to time, there may be the
have access to a car so will find accessing a occasional delay in collection - bear with
hub some distance away impossible. them!
CONCESSIONARY bus pass holders will be Planning changes
able to travel before 9.30am in a bid to Lewes District’s Local Plan (Part 1), which
support the COVID vaccination programme. determines the number of houses it needs to
From Monday, January 18, East Sussex find land for, will be 5 years old by 2021. The
County Council will temporarily relax the law says that the Council has to review this
rules to help elderly and vulnerable Plan. Under the existing formula set by central
residents travel to early morning COVID-19 government, this could see the council having
vaccination appointments. to more than double the numbers of houses it
The relaxation of rules is expected to needs to find land for across Lewes District. I
continue until school fully reopen. More believe that housing should be based on local
details are available need - not on a central government formula. I
at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/ will continue to work with parish councils and
roadsandtransport/public/buses/bus-service residents on this issue.
-changes-including-back-to-school-
changes/ along with other information on And on a related issue, most of the
bus services. Government’s latest planning reforms could
still become law. Land could be categorised
In my role as a Board Member r of the into zones - for growth, for renewal or for
Local Government Association protection. The worry is that in many parts of
Focus of our work in the early part of this the country it will be very difficult for local
year will be; people to comment on new developments
EU exit and what its specific impact may be once it is established what "zone" an area will
for rural areas particularly in addressing be in. Community voices could be stifled and
issues around rural economies. councils will have very little say in whether to
Within the context of COVID-19 and the give planning permission or not.
forthcoming English devolution white paper
we will engage with Government to ensure COVID 19 testing site at Plumpton
councils in rural areas have the powers and racecourse
resources to lead a successful and I have been in touch with the County Council’s
sustainable recovery. highways department to get missing (and
We will continue to focus on the improving sadly vandalised) signs replaced following a
digital connectivity in rural areas. complaint about traffic being sent by some sat
navs to East Chiltington. It is in nobody’s
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service interests to have unclear signage to this site
ESFR have announced that they we will run so if you notice any damage please call 0345
a wholetime firefighter recruitment process 60 80 193, stressing that this is concerning
this year, and in all likelihood every two signage to the Covid 19 regional testing site at
years thereafter. They expect to recruit 20 Plumpton racecourse. Cont page 9
6TIME FOR YOU
LK Events Ltd
We’re a Sussex based company Jessica GELeration Manicure
specialising in high quality catering Jessica Classic Prescription Manicure
Jessica Zenspa Pedicure
Weddings, Drinks Parties, Christenings Day or evening appointments
Funerals, Family Parties Gift vouchers available
Contact us for a quote Conveniently situated in Plumpton
Green
01825 723226 or 01825 722774
info@lkevents-sussex.co.uk Kim Fahey IFHB
www.lkevents-sussex.co.uk Tel: 01273 891447 Mob: 07845045766
Email: kimfahey@btinternet.com
Tree Surgery ● Hedge Maintenance
Fire Wood
Stump Grinding ● Strimming
Woodland Management Schemes
Experienced ● Insured £5m
Free Quotation
BSc (Enviro Mgt) ● LOLER Inspector
NPTC
Charlie Layfield
Office: 01825 724655
Mobile: 07888 838423
www.treewise.co.uk
Heath Farm
Holiday Cottages
South Road, Plumpton Green
Three 4 star cottages sleeping
two, four and six. Suitable disabled
Minimum 2 night stay
Regret no smoking or pets.
01273 890712
www.heath-farm.com
7P. M BUILDERS
5 School Cottages,
East Chiltington
For all your
building
needs
Tel: 01273- 890964
Mobile 07813 114470
YOUR LOCAL BUILDER
Painter
Decorative Paint Finishes,
Domestic, Business
& Building Trade
Michael Webber
michael.webber6@yahoo.co.uk
01273 890779
07880 558 556
2 School Cottage
07890 546417 East Chiltington
Lewes BN7 3AY
Servicing, Repairs and Deadly Serious
MOTs Pest Control
Campervans
Horseboxes James Otway
Trade vans
Cars 07702 208475
deadlyseriouspestcontrol@gmail.com
Call Martin on Odintune Cottage
East Chiltington, Lewes
01273 479777 East Sussex, BN7 3AN
www.rdhcommercials.co.ukMaria Caufield MP
The COVID crisis continues into 2021 and it is an extremely difficult time for us all. Whether
you know someone who has had the virus, or had it yourself, or you have been affected
financially or psychologically with the restrictions, no one has been untouched.
The vaccine is the light at the end of the tunnel and locally we have started the vaccine roll
out. The over 80’s are the first group to be called and all patients, whether your GP is taking
part in the programme or not, will be called forward by the hubs so please be patient as we
are getting through everyone as quickly as possible.
At the moment there are large scale hubs in Brighton and Eastbourne covering the
constituency as well as a smaller hub in Lewes. You will be called forward by the hubs and
usually called the day before a slot and asked to attend.
The aim is to get all over 80’s called by the end of January for their first dose and then they
will move through the other priority groups which we expect to get called by March.
The Pfizer vaccine needed to be kept at -70 and this is why only large hubs could administer
the vaccine initially. Now we are moving to the Oxford vaccine GP practices, pharmacists and
mobile teams are now getting started and so you will see more vaccination hubs starting up as
this vaccine is much quicker and easier to give.
Both vaccines require two doses, so it is important you return for your second dose.
While you are waiting for your vaccine it is important, we all do our but to keep safe. Social
distancing, hand washing and wearing your mask will not just protect you but your family and
friends also. Hopefully as we see spring coming, we will have brighter days ahead.
Distrist Councillor report cont. from page 6
Railway station parking
I recently noticed that the parking charge for the station was quietly raised to £6.60 rather
than the lower £4.20 daily rate. I contacted GTR/Southern railway to complain. They have re-
set the charge to £4.20. I remain opposed to parking charges at the station, but good to see a
response.
COVID 19 support group
A reminder - Lewes District’s COVID information page is at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/
community/covid-19/ You can request help via the link. You can also call Lewes District’s
“Community Hub” helpline on 01273 099956 if you have problems with things like accessing
food deliveries.
If you have problems with things like paying council tax as a result of the pandemic call 01273
471600. For local support in Plumpton and East Chiltington please call 07595 894425 or
email covid19@geniuswithin.co.uk.
robert.banks@lewes.gov.uk
07986 755246
9Plumpton Parish Council www.plumptonpc.co.uk
Notice to Residents from Plumpton Parish Council
Additional housing targets for Lewes District Council
(LDC)
At a recent meeting with the LDC Planning Policy department, Plumpton Parish
Council was informed of the likely impact arising from LDC's Local Plan reaching its
fifth anniversary in May 2021. The LDC Local Plan is the basis against which our
Plumpton Parish Neighbourhood Plan must conform.
From May 2021, unless LDC can argue otherwise, the housing target for LDC will be
based on the ‘Standard Method’ which is a national statistical model. The impact of
this is that LDC will receive a new annual target that increases the number of new
dwellings required across the district by 227%.
LDC regard this target as undeliverable, but if they cannot convince central
government that exceptional circumstances apply then Plumpton could be allocated
significantly more development than the 68 set out in our Plumpton Parish
Neighbourhood Plan.
Furthermore, the LDC Local Plan and our Plumpton Parish Neighbourhood Plan will
have less weight in planning decisions, and it will be easier for developers to gain
planning permission for new dwellings that do not respect these democratically
adopted plans. It will not matter if a proposed development site is not included in the
Plumpton Parish Neighbourhood Plan. It will not matter if the proposed site is outside
the village planning boundary. Potentially, it will not matter if the proposed
development does not conform to all the other policies in LDC and Plumpton plans.
Plumpton Parish Council has already been contacted by a developer who intends to
lodge an application to build 89 houses within Plumpton Green. To be clear - this is in
addition to the 68 units provided for in the Neighbourhood Plan which more than met
the original LDC target for new dwellings in Plumpton until 2030.
Whilst Plumpton Parish Council would normally expect LDC to oppose any
development in Plumpton that does not accord with the Plumpton Parish
Neighbourhood Plan, unless LDC can persuade central government to revert to a
more appropriate target, we will have to work much harder to achieve any sensible
outcome for our community. We are preparing for this outcome and will keep you
informed as things become clearer.
10Problems with computer HOME CHARLES CARS
or digital devices
Call James Plumpton Based
07894 454037
or email: spiller.james@gmail.com
Private Hire Taxi Company
Also qualified PAT tester, lives in Plumpton • AIRPORT TRANSFER SERVICE
• PRESTIGE VEHICLES
• COMPETITIVE TAXI PRICES
,
• CORPORATE ACCOUNTS
• CREDIT CARDS WELCOME
● Small local classes (max 4) • SALOONS AND ESTATES
● From £10 pp per hour • PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE DRIVERS
● Beginners, 1-2-1, conversation.
CIAO BOLOGNA!
077 344 89222
Short study trip to Italy, by arrangement
homecharles@btinternet.com
email: seegreen@waitrose.com
Zumba with Lucy
Now on Zoom, £3.50
Craniosacral therapy and Tuesday 10am
Rolfing® Structural integration in Wednesday 7pm
Plumpton Green. Thursday 10am & 6.15pm
For more information see Saturday 9.30am
www.cranioandrolfing.co.uk A fun, energetic dance class
or call Sarah on 07817 694624 suitable for everybody.
sarah@cranioandrolfing.co.uk Contact: zumba_lucy@outlook.com
LEARN HOW TO SHOOT A
Alexander Technique BOW
can help to naturally overcome:
Plumpton Bowmen hold
• Back, neck and joint pain Beginners’ Courses twice a
• Muscle tension and stiffness
• Poor posture year in April and October on the
• Breathing and vocal problems Playing Field.
• Anxiety and stress-related conditions
We hold Have-A-Go sessions
One to one lessons tailored to your needs
the 3rd Sunday of the month
For more information contact: from April to August from 11 –
Caroline Canner MSTAT
01273 891174 07754147380 12.30pm.
caroline.canner@gmail.com For further information see:
Alexandertechnique.co.uk
www.plumpton-bowmen.org.uk
11Skylark Federation – School News!
Following a reluctantly quiet Christmas involving an extreme amount of walking through the
local countryside with children and one other adult outside of our household in tow it was time
to plan for the return to school!
I was nervous about the planned return following a resurgence of a new strain of the virus.
However, the messages were clear that schools are safe and would open. We opened all
three schools on Monday 4th January and it was fantastic as ever to see and talk to the
children about the adventures they’d had and the gifts they had received during the Christmas
break. We were also able to compare local muddy walking routes and share our stories of
kilometers covered over the festive period!
On Monday 4th January we were informed at 8pm that schools would close the following day!
We had to act fast and inform parents and staff of our plans for remote learning and the
reopening of the schools to children of critical workers and our vulnerable families.
Since Wednesday 6th January our three schools have prepared and sent out learning support
packs to all children, welcomed the children of critical workers and vulnerable families in our
communities and endeavoured to deliver a comprehensive online learning package of pre-
recorded lessons with video teaching support as well as a daily online meeting where children
can talk to the class teacher and their friends in class. In the coming weeks we are planning
to develop this further with online PE sessions, further individualised /group teaching support
and a ‘Literacy in Lockdown’ writing challenge for all children.
If you would like to continue to support your children at home, here are some
helpful tips from research completed by The Enducation Endowment Foundation:
1. There is no notable difference between live and pre-recorded
learning. Evidence suggests pre-recorded lessons support the majority of
pupils, particularly lower achievers.
2. It is really important new learning builds on prior learning that is understood
and the work completed is assessed.
3. Peer to peer interaction is really important to motivate learners and improve
outcomes. (Can parents and older children set up learning support partners
or groups they can talk to whilst they are learning?)
4. Opportunities for live discussion with the class teacher improves outcomes.
5. Prompting children to reflect on their work and consider strategies to
overcome misconceptions is very valuable.
I hope in my next update I will be able to share some news about our exciting new
developments or the schools reopening!
Stay Safe
Very Best Wishes
Mr. Stewart James
Executive Head Teacher
12Bird Watch the males who are beginning to show the
feather tufts on their heads as they come into
I always enjoy reports from breeding prime and compete for a group of
people who have seen hens. Pheasants are polygamous, a strong
interesting birds locally. Recently cock bird will claim at least half a dozen hens
I have heard of a Blackcap in a garden on the and already they are strutting about and
first of January, a Red Kite flying over and, as threatening each other for dominance.
I have had, Greenfinches returning to the
feeders in numbers. Since the shoots have been banned
this winter, due to lockdown, far more
Wintering Blackcaps are more Pheasants will be left to breed in the wild and I
numerous than previously. Their origin is wonder what the affect will be on other
largely uncertain and being investigated. They wildlife. Will there be enough food to support
are not of the population that breeds here. them all? Will other species suffer as a result?
These move south for the winter. Many Will predators such as Foxes, Crows and
Blackcaps ringed in Britain in summer have Magpies have a bonanza and reduce the
been found on either side of the population? Often in the natural world, when
Mediterranean during the winter months. I there is an excessive growth in the population
have had three. One from the most southerly and so the threat of a shortage of food, a
part of Spain, one from Algeria and one from natural pruning takes place in the form of a
Morocco. Those seen here in winter are decease that takes out the weak, sick and
probably from Eastern Europe, escaping their elderly, so reducing their numbers. This has an
harsh weather. If anyone is lucky enough to eery, familiar ring to it in these difficult times
sight one, please check its legs carefully as a and the Pheasants will have no vaccine!
study from one of the universities has colour
ringed over six hundred in the past three It will be interesting to see what
winters, with an individual code so that each happens and I would be glad, as always, to
bird can be recognised from a distance. hear of any observations.
According to the placement of the colours on R.J.L.
either leg, each is different. As with most birds
with a colour in their name, there can be
confusion. Female Blackcaps have a ginger-
coloured crown!
Red Kites are reported regularly now
but always exciting to see. They have
extended their breeding range to several parts
Christmas Card Sales
of Sussex, particularly the wooded parts of the
Downs. Greenfinches have suffered from
decease that can be passed on from The total amount raised this year by
contaminated feeders. Their return in numbers Gill Gamble selling Christmas Cards in
Is welcome and shows that better hygiene aid of St Peter & St James Hospice
pays off. was £684. This is an amazing amount
and thanks go to Gill for manning her
The Pheasants in my garden are still "stall" from her front garden.
the bane of my life at the moment. They have
scratched up so much of the ground. When I
go out, they run up to me like farmyard There is a change to the date for the
chickens, fearless around my feet. As I fill my walk with Reg Lanaway. This will now
feeders, they take the seed from the tin as I take place on Sunday 18 April and will
scoop it up. I have left the door of my be a walk through the woods and
greenhouse open so that they can dust-bath in gardens at the Hospice.
the only dry soil available, so it is probably my
fault they are so tame. Females outnumber
13Stuart & Roger Moulds
Trading As South East Roofing Contractors Finally, a B&B in the heart of
A family run roofing company with over 50
years’ experience. Plumpton Green And an ideal solu-
Full insurance cover. ?on for impending guests and no spare
Qualified staff trained in flat, single ply, cold room! A separate annex away from the
application systems. main house that comfortably sleeps up to 4
Slating & Tiling, leadwork, chimneys.
people.
Contact Stuart on 07786837406 or 01323 811887
Contact 07776 418724 for more info or
Email: info@southeastroofingcontractors.co.uk
www.edgingtoncoBage.co.uk
MARK WATTS DRAINAGE
Sep c Tank Problems…?
Blocked soakaway?
Drains backing up?
Obnoxious smells?
Sep c Tank Conversions
Treatment Plant Installa ons
Servicing of Treatment Plants-
MARK WATTS DRAINAGE
01273 812 331 – 07990 553 747
14Letters to the Editor
Dear Sir,
Happy New Year
I wanted to say a huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers and co-ordinators of the Good
Neighbours scheme in Plumpton Green.
They, like many other schemes, give their time willingly to help others and during these very
odd times keeping contact with our older neighbours to ensure all is well, is even more
important than ever.
Providing regular ‘pop-in’ chats for Mum gives her something to look forward to and that
assurance for me that all is well when I am at work. A real point of contact for her.
Nothing is too much trouble for them, from the simplest of requests and just knowing this is
gives me peace of mind.
So thank you once again for your time, patience and kindness.
Keep safe and keep laughing!
Kind regards
Paula and Glenys Bodsworth
Dear Sir,
What a brilliant idea to have a Festive Scarecrow Trail! I am sure I speak for many when I say
how enjoyable this has been. The standard and variety of scarecrows has been very high
throughout Plumpton, East Chiltington and Streat . The weather has not been kind to them, but
they have stood up to Storm Bella and relentless rain and some have still been standing to see
in the new year. It has been lovely to see families and individuals following the trail, on foot,
scooter or bicycle. This event has given us a real feeling of community and most importantly
made us smile!
Thank you to the PPTFA for organising the Trail, to the scarecrow makers, map creators and
everyone else involved. Please can this be an annual event?
Happy new year
Jane Hildyard
PLUMPTON VILLAGE SOCIETY
With lockdown three starting on 5 January, it is doubtful that the initial 2021 plans can now
take place in the way we had hoped. Notably, the Easter Egg Trail around the various clubs
and societies and the Lych-Gate restoration ceremony in April.
Rest assured that the Committee will do something to bring the Village together in the Spring/
Summer, ensuring that we do so in a safe and responsible way. It may be that we need to
arrange things quickly, so do look out for future articles, posters and Facebook events once
the Government is able to ease the lockdown restrictions.
In the meantime, stay safe.
15Church Services for February
Sunday 7th February 2 Before Lent Sexagesima
All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
Sunday 14th February Next before Lent Quinquagesima
All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
Wednesday 17th February Ash Wednesday
All Saints 7.30pm Ashing Service
st
Sunday 21 February Lent 1
All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
th
Sunday 28 February Lent 2
All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
th
Sunday 7 March Lent 3
All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
All Saints Church will be open for private prayer and meditation, Saturday mornings
10 – 12 mid-day, until further notice
Continuing effects of Covid 19
I am writing this after a very uplifting service of Holy Communion led by the
Archdeacon of Brighton and Lewes the Venerable Martin Lloyd William’s. He spoke
inspirationally about the baptism of Christ at the time of Epiphany when God said, “
this is my son whom I love, with him I am well pleased. " Archdeacon Martin
reminded us that God loves us all and will be well pleased with the efforts of millions
of people who are coming together to fight the Covid virus and its devastating
effects by trying to follow simple rules. The heroic efforts of NHS staff and carers
throughout our country together with all those who keep our schools and nurseries
open and keep us supplied with essentials is of note but we all have our parts to play
and that is recognised by the community support offered in our two villages.
With this in mind but with a heavy heart the churchwardens took the decision to
close our churches. Although church services are allowed to take place during this
lockdown we took into account the elderly nature of our congregation, the virulence
of the new strain and rapidly increasing numbers.
On a more positive note we are hoping to offer church services by zoom. If you
wish to be included on our email list then please contact one of the churchwardens:
East Chiltington: Amanda Inglis (077941 241148),
Plumpton Green: David Dawson (01273 890134), Howard Wood ( 07794484373)
16VILLAGE EVENTS CALENDAR
VH = Village Hall HQ = Scout HQ TC = Tennis Club
StM = St Michael’s ANX = Church Annex PAV = Pavilion
ECC = East Chiltington Church Sch = Plumpton School ALC= All Saints Church
2021
Due to the National Lockdown the Village Hall is currently closed.
27th March - St. Peter & St. James Quiz Night
10th April- Horticultural Society Spring show VH
11th April - Lychgate dedication ALC
18th April - St. P & St. J Hospice gardens walk
5th June - Doughty’s Fabric Sale VH
26th June - Village Strawberry Fair VH
30th June - Rude Mechanicals VH
10th July - St. P & St. J Jumble Sale 2pm VH
18th July - St. P & St. J - Mill House Open Garden
7th August - Horticultural Society Summer show VH
18th September - Horticultural Society Autumn show VH
2nd October - Plumpton Apple Pressing VH
26th November - Horticultural Society AGM VH
27th November - St. P & St. J Festive Fair VH
BOOKINGS
Village Hall & Pavilion: Jane Donovan 07747 050903 or 01273 891036
Church Annex Howard Wood 07794484373
COPY DEADLINES
13th February for March
15th March for April
Copy to The Poplars, Station Road
or email: pecncopy@gmail.com or Telephone: 01273 891 427
17Plumpton & East Chiltington Scouts Early History
Part 1
At the end of 2020, Alastair Christie our local property maintenance friend and collector of
Plumpton memorabilia posted on Facebook a photo and request for any information regarding a
silver medal, inscribed BOXING PLUMPTON Dec 1927. I suggested that it might be
connected with Plumpton Scouts, as my father had been a scout then and told me that they did
boxing. Alastair followed this with another photo of a small wooden box which had a silver
plaque. The inscription prompted me to do some
deeper digging into the
history of its origins.
The inscription on the silver plaque reads “To our first A.S.M., R.J.JOINES who taught us
to cook & camp & box. With the thanks of every scout in the Plumpton Troop 1925 –
1929.” This box was presented to Assistant Scout Master, Richard James Joines on his
retirement from the Troop in 1929.
Origins and Early Years:- The Scouting movement was founded by Lieutenant General
Robert Baden-Powell. He had served in the British Army from 1876 – 1902 in India and Africa.
In 1899 during the 2nd Boer War while outnumbered defending the town of Mafeking in a 7
month siege he used local boys to give first aid, and as messengers. On his retirement to the
UK he realized that boys here could benefit from the same sort of training which was to form
the basis of Scouting. His first experimental camp on 1st August 1907 was with 20 boys on
Brownsea Island near Poole Dorset. The idea soon spread and within 2 years there were
100,000 scouts in the UK. Now there are over half a million, with over 50 million around the
World.
There are no known records of who started scouting in Plumpton. In a program written for the
opening of the New HQ in North Barnes Lane 7th December 1969 it states that the first Troop
was formed in 1909 under the Rt.Hon. Banfield (sic) as Scoutmaster: and meetings were held
at North Hall Barn, East Chiltington. However, there seem to be some discrepancies with this.
It is reported on the 28th June 1912 in the Sussex Agricultural Express, that the
Plumpton and East Chiltington Troop of boy scouts under Scout Master P. Parsons formed a
guard of honour at the Saturday wedding of Sybil Powell-Edwards and John Charles Dodsworth
Tetley at East Chiltington Church. (They lived at Chiltington Ferrings; sadly Mr.Tetley was killed
in action in 1917.) Then on the following Wednesday, reported in the same paper, the
Plumpton and East Chiltington Scouts under Scoutmaster P. Parsons took part in an exhibition
at the Lewes Convent field where 120 scouts from the district erected tents and demonstrated
18camp cooking , first aid, boxing, fencing and signalling etc. It has as yet not been possible to
identify Mr. P Parsons.
The earliest record of another Scoutmaster is an article in the 9th April 1914 Sx. Ag. Expr. Under
Lewes and Uckfield Boy Scouts, when Scoutmaster the Hon. F W Bampfylde represented
Plumpton Troop at an association meeting. The Honourable Francis Warwick Bampfylde
occupied North Hall from about 1912 following the death of tenant Mrs. Symondson in 1911. He
is listed there in the 1913 Kelly’s directory. The property was let by the owner Mrs. George
Clement de St. Croix who had moved to Brighton after her husband died in 1907. The Hon FW
Bampfylde had come from his family seat at Poltimore Park Exeter Devon, where his brother
was Baron Poltimore. In WW1 he was a Lieutenant in the 1st Devon Regiment and was
wounded in August 1916. North Hall was used as a Red Cross VAD Hospital for soldiers from
1915 where Mrs. Bampfylde was commandant. The last reference to Plumpton Scouts is at the
start of WW1 in the Mid Sussex Times 1st December 1914 when “At a Red Cross Concert in aid
of Our Gallant Men, the Plumpton Boy Scouts held Union Jacks.” The Troop was disbanded until
after the end of WW1.
Lt. The Hon. FW Bampfylde Brig. Gen. RAC Wellesley CB CMG
New Beginnings:- in March 1925 a lecture was given by Mr. Haydn Dimmock editor of “The
Scout”, on “Scoutcraft” with lantern slides, at Plumpton Memorial Hall, there was also a
demonstration given by scouts of the 2nd Lewes Troop. The Chairman, Brig. General R A C
Wellesley said it was his ambition to raise a troop of scouts in Plumpton. The difficulty was to
find a Scout Master. Finally, as no one else came forward, the Scoutmaster was Brigadier
General Richard Ashmore Colley Wellesley, a former scout commissioner for Staffordshire who
lived at Old Plumpton Rectory (The Laines) and was a great great nephew of the Duke of
Wellington. R J Joines was one of the founding officers of the Troop when it reformed after
WW1 on September 24th 1925 at its first meeting in Plumpton Memorial Hall. He was ASM for
South Plumpton with the other ASM Percy Hylands for North Plumpton. The cub master was
William Dagger. Amongst the 27 boys who joined that day his son Reginald Frederick Joines
was enrolled in Bulldog Patrol along with his stepson Vernon Alfred John Stanley. The troop
met every Thursday at 6:45 and was officially enrolled on October 29th 1925 by District
Commissioner for Mid–Sussex, Major General W.A.Watson.
In December 1926 ASM Joines started training the troop boxing team and annual competitions
were held, with the winner receiving the Waugh Challenge Shield given by one of the Troop’s
patrons Mr. Edward.J.Waugh, solicitor of Hilltop Plumpton. The Sussex Express 14th April 1927
reported on a Plumpton Boy Scouts Boxing Rally “The whole programme was a succession of
the most spirited displays admirably fought by the scouts trained by Assistant Scoutmaster R.J.
Joines.”
19CLIMATE CHANGE
Last month, we wrote an article ‘Reasons to be Cheerful about Climate Change?’
looking at what world leaders are doing (or say they are) to address the issue. As
we write, it looks as though US President-Elect, Joe Biden, is about to gain control of
the US Senate. With his belief in the need to tackle climate change, given that the
US is the most powerful nation, this can only be good news.
But it is all very well looking down from the top, there also needs to be a ground
swell of desire for change and action by individuals and communities.
That places big challenges on us to really make a difference. Perhaps we
have to start in small ways? We’ve done well on recycling and plastic
reduction locally, and particularly here in Plumpton, but there is more we
can do together.
And there is support out there from the district and county councils and you may
recall that, back in 2019, Plumpton Parish Council issued its Environmental Policy in
which it said that it would ‘encourage community-led initiatives’.
So, here’s our chance to think about what we can do. Experience suggests
that Plumpton is best when it brainstorms ideas and then, as a group,
selects some to take forward. We’d like to do that now and we would
encourage you to think out of the box. So, PLEASE if you have any ideas,
share them with us and we can start this next important journey. Please
do let Carole or Paul Nicholson know on carole.nicholson3@virgin.net or
01273 891722.
Just to close, David Attenborough recently said, when launching his own witness
statement on his life, “people should see the world and their time in it as precious”.
He warned: "The world is not a bowl of fruit in which we can just take what we wish.
We are part of it and if we destroy it, we destroy ourselves." Asked what people can
do to help protect the planet, Sir David said: "Stop waste. Stop waste of any
kind. Stop wasting power, stop wasting food, stop wasting plastic. Don't
waste, this is a precious world. Celebrate and cherish."
Wise words indeed, but they are likely to have been downgraded in people’s minds
as everyone has been affected by Covid-19 in one way or another.
Perhaps a good start would be to address the use of plastics again in our
homes and elsewhere. This initiative had gathered real momentum before
Covid-19 hit – let’s try and bring it back to our daily lives. Remember the
old adage for use of single-use plastics:
Refuse – Reduce - Re-use - Recycle
Not bad as a late New Year’s resolution for
2021, surely?
Carole and Paul Nicholson
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21Plumpton Village Society
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee June 2022
The Government recently announced that there will be a four day weekend to celebrate The
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 2 to 5 June 2022.
It may seem light years’ away but planning needs to start now if we are going to make the
Plumpton events as successful as previous Jubilee celebrations. We would have liked to have an
open meeting to gather people’s ideas, to form mini-teams to take each idea forward (just like
we did for the Diamond Jubilee) – but of course, for the time being that is not possible due to
Covid 19 restrictions.
So, we need to resort to telephone and emails for now. We are looking for ideas for activities
that will reflect on Her Majesty’s reign of 70 years, and her impact on life in Plumpton since
1952. The Government wants to find ways not only to celebrate, but also to reflect the positive
changes on society during the Queen’s reign e.g healthcare, technological and scientific
advancement, cultural development, and climate change.
These are some of the activities Plumpton did for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012:
Planting the Jubilee Plum Tree on the Village Green
Patriotic planting scheme at the Station
Launch of Ken Beard’s Postcard Collection Book
Beating the Bounds
Plumpton Hidden History Exhibition
Plumpton House History Trail
Plumpton Jubilee Recipe Book
Civic Church Service and Tea Party
Jubilee Procession
Village Fete
Beacon Lighting up on the Downs
Please do not hesitate to let us have your thoughts and ideas, however weird they may seem,
and whether you would be willing to help make them happen. Plumpton always rises to these
occasions by coming together and we look forward to hearing from you.
Lee Stevens 01273 890925/07887 562721 lee.a.stevens@btinternet.com
Carole Nicholson 01273 891722 carole.nicholson3@virgin.net
Plumpton Flower Club latest news!!!
First of all let me wish all our members and their guests a very Happy New Year! In view of the
recent restrictions it is still going to be difficult to hold any meetings in the near future. I have
started planning and booking demonstrators from September 2021 through to June 2022, by
that time hopefully things should be back to normal.
In the meantime I have had a letter from Gaenor Circus, Chairman of the Sussex branch of
NAFAS, inviting members to knit or crochet flowers to pass away the time during these winter
months. These flowers will be used in a display at Leonardslee Gardens to celebrate Sussex
Areas’s Diamond Anniversary from 9th to 12th September 2021. Each flower must be just one
colour of the rainbow. If you are
interested in taking part then contact me on
01273 890422/francesgazzard@gmail.com and I will get a copy of the pattern to you.
Please take care of yourselves and stay safe.
Best wishes,
Frances Gazzard, Programme Secretary
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23Plumpton & East nude mice, used for immunology and
transplant research. It isn’t hard to imagine
Chiltington Wildlife them in some future Margaret Atwood
dystopia running the planet. Think of the
After man, rodents are the most successful smell!
and widespread group of mammals on earth. It would certainly be a mistake to
They are also by far the most widely used underestimate the tenacity and adaptability of
animals in biomedical research and will have these animals. In habitats with no natural
certainly played their part in COVID vaccine predators. In New Zealand they have
research. devastated ground nesting bird species
It seems everyone I speak to at the moment notably albatross and petrels. They will also
has them somewhere roundabout, in their eat reptile and fish eggs on top of denuding a
kitchen cupboards, loft, shed, garage or ecosystem of plant seed that then prevents
garden. There are several reasons for this natural habitat regeneration.
success, their high breeding rate for example Common names are frequently misleading as
allows them to endlessly explore the is the case of the wood mouse, sometimes
possibilities of natural selection. Their teeth, called the long- tailed field mouse. This
particularly their incisors are capable of biting species will occupy any suitable habitat niche
through the hardest nut or gnawing through from heather moorland, open fields,
wood, lead, computer cables and even deciduous woodland and occupied buildings.
concrete. Another important feature are their They are frequently found in parks and
highly manipulative fore feet. With five gardens and take full advantage of manmade
fingers on each, they are well adapted for habitats.
climbing and feeding. “Wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie,“ so
The survival strategy of rodents means they wrote the bard Burns about a nest of mice he
can exploit a wide variety of habitats, the ploughed up in 1785, testament if needed to
success of which is based upon the presence their ubiquitousness.
of three basic factors: acceptable climate,
suitable food supply and safe sites for shelter Yellow -necked mice are the larger relative of
and breeding. the wood mouse and always found in habitats
The British members of order Rodentia, alongside wood mice. Even at close quarters it
along with the Black and Brown Rat, are the is difficult to distinguish a yellow- necked
House Mouse (mus musculus), the mouse from its smaller relative. They are
Woodmouse (apodemus sylvaticus), the skilful climbers and enter buildings more often
Yellow necked mouse (apodemus flavicollis) than wood mice. Unfortunately these seem to
and the Harvest mouse (micromys minutes) . be the mice that we are continuously trying to
They are the Murinae or “ mouse like “ sub evict from our houses particularly in the
family. The list does not include the hazel countryside. You may be surprised to know
dormouse because it belongs to its own that rodenticide is not developed or approved
distinct genus called Muscardinus. for use on wood or yellow necked mice. This
The house mouse will live virtually anywhere. is to avoid bio accumulation of
I remember finding them in a West Kent coal
storage facility, running around like little
rodenticides in non targeted species that
Davey Crocket hats, covered in an extra thick predate them like hawks, owls, stoats
coat of hair. Their populations can reach and weasels.
plague like numbers. An Australian farmer It’s best to find out how they have got in to
found 28,000 dead mice on his verandah the house and proof the access point.
after laying rodenticide on one night. The The final mouse is the size of a bumblebee,
house mouse has quickly evolved to weighing little more than 6 grams, the harvest
recognise the danger of traps and poison. mouse is 50-70 mm long and a tail of 50-60
Their genome was the second to be mm. It is the only British animal with a truly
unravelled and sequenced after the human prehensile tail that can be used as a 5th limb.
genome resulting in the breeding of,
amongst others, Doogie mice, who have Cont on page 28
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26The views on this sunny September day were
Footpath well worth pausing for. To the NE is Cracoe Fell
Detective’s and a view of the Rhylstone Cross, and the
rounded top of Rough Haw (also part of Flasby
Diary: Fell) in the foreground.
A Footpath Detective’s Diary A clear path led us from Sharp Haw in a SSE
February 2021 direction towards Skipton. As we descended
Lands of our forefathers we passed close to Skyrakes Farm which also
gets a mention in my family ancestry and I
I have a very good friend that I met at pondered how nice it would be to live here on
secondary school in Kent and who now lives this slightly bleak hillside farming sheep. There
in Leeds so when we can we get together for was a beautiful selection of sheep on the fell
walks or runs in Yorkshire. We both have including Herdwicks and Swaledales. Our path
ancestors from the same area just to the took us to Bog Lane. A look back gave us a
southern edge of what is now the Yorkshire lovely view of the distinctive Sharp Haw and
Dales National Park. During September we Rough Haw as they rise up in their different
met to do some more exploring starting in shapes, the former pointed and the latter
Gargrave where my friend’s mum had lived at rounded. We turned south on the lane and at
a farm on West Street. the third 90 degree bend we took a path to the
Grassington Road which we crossed just north
We made our way to the Leeds-Liverpool of the Craven Heifer and on to a lane.
canal and followed it east to a lock just
beyond Eshton Beck. Here we crossed the At Tarn Moor Bridge we turned right onto a
canal and doubled back a short way to a path leading south and into Skipton Woods by
footpath to head north over Ray Bridge Hill. Sougha Gill. We followed the path south by
We turned right onto Eshton Road where we Eller Beck as it cascades down, passing Skipton
had good views of Eshton Hall and its Castle and into Skipton. The castle was
surrounding parkland. After crossing Eshton originally a motte and bailey built in 1090 by
Bridge our next path was off to our right and Robert de Romille a Norman Barron. In the
it headed up by an interesting avenue style 12th Century the castle was rebuilt in stone and
planting of trees but in a pasture, we couldn’t remains well preserved. The castle is the start
work out why. We ascended to Flasby with of the 100-mile Lady Anne's Way long distance
Flasby Hall off to our right by the beck. path to Penrith, a walk I intend to do
Flasby is mentioned in some old family sometime.
history records of mine along with other
nearby farm land that seems to have been We went into the town in search of some
passed down a line of my family that I am lunch, there are plenty of refreshment
not part of sadly. opportunities, and then continued onto the
Leeds-Liverpool canal to walk WNW along its
In the hamlet we crossed the beck and took banks as it bends its way through the
a path that led us south and then SE, countryside. On this warm September
ascending the lower slopes of Sharp Haw and afternoon the sun gave a beautiful light on the
into Crag Wood. We continued to ascend in water and we had many opportunities to
the woodland and as we gained height we photograph the colourful canal boats and some
got marvelous views to the SW and in the white swans with their reflections in the water.
distance and across the county border into
Lancashire the distinctive shape of Pendle Back in Gargrave we wondered over the bridge
Hill. In the woods were rhododendron in crossing the River Aire to the parish church of
flower which seemed most peculiar but then St Andrew and its grave yard where we found
2020 was a peculiar year. After a bit of the graves of several of my friend’s relatives.
zigzagging around the path emerged from This walk was 13 miles and provided us with a
the woodland and continued to the peak of glorious day’s exploration.
Sharp Haw. At 357m this is the highest point
of Flasby Fell and is topped with a trig point. EJH
27Chailey Commons w ww .cha ile yc ommo ns.o rg.u k
Further restrictions still limit the Society in our meetings and activities. We appreciate being able
to get in touch with our members by email, post and the website and we try to put up posters
where possible for everyone to see and to join us if they can.
Outdoors, whilst it was relatively dry, we coppiced willow that was overshading some of the
ponds on the common so that more light can get in. With the winter rains, the heathland
vegetation on the commons has been soaking up the rainwater and runoff so that the ponds are
now filling and holding water. This helps reduce the flooding risk in the wider landscape. So
please try and enjoy your squishy and splashy walks on the commons - the heathland is doing a
valuable job!
We were not able to hold our usual besom broom workshop in October due to COVID-19
restrictions. A few of us were able to bring down the tightly bound birch bundles we had cut in
January 2020 and stored since then to season and dry. We made traditional besom brooms for
adults and children by selecting suitable birch wands to bind together into brooms, completed
with hazel and birch handles. Some were sold at Townings Farm in the run up to Halloween
raising useful funds and helping us keep up our skills.
January is the time to cut more suitable young birch. However, this year we are unable to run
our usual friendly outdoor group activity. Instead, a couple of us aimed to cut just enough birch
to replenish our stocks.
Looking forward during 2021 we are excited about ongoing discussions with our Countryside
Officer, Andy Mitchell, and our new grazier on the feasibility of resuming pony grazing on Red
House Common. Year-round pony grazing with a small number of hardy stock such as Exmoor
ponies will greatly enhance the ongoing management of this large, fenced common. The Chailey
Commons Society could have an important role to play by re-instating the 'lookerer rota' to keep
an eye on the animals. We hope to have more details of how the system might work in the
Spring when we will be looking for volunteers.
With a further lockdown underway we hope to prepare our programme of events from April with
outdoor activities exploring the commons and indoor talks during the Autumn and Winter.
For further information, visit our website – www.chaileycommons.org.uk or our Facebook page
www.facebook.com/chaileycommons/
William Coleman
01444 831098
Plumpton Wildlife cont.
Other mice and rats can use their tails by wrapping them loosely around twigs etc .40% of a
harvest mouse’s tail, the end portion, can be used to apply a precision grip, allowing the mouse
to anchor itself and use both its hands to forage and feed. The prehensile tail , combined with
an uncanny sense of balance ,makes the harvest mouse the most skilful and agile member of
the group but the least likely to turn up in the a house . They all lead a hazardous existence in
the wild being consumed by owls, weasels and surprisingly by blackbirds, pheasants and even
toads...O,what a panic’s in thy breastie!
Thou need an start awa sae hasty,
Wi bickerin’ brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee,
Wi’ murd’ring prattle ...though we mostly do or stand on a chair and scream!
James Ottway.
28You can also read
